Belmopan. June 19, 2025.
The Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries announces the official reactivation of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the Cohune Industry. This milestone meeting marks a formal beginning of coordinated efforts to develop a nationally structured and sustainable cohune industry in Belize.
The Technical Working Group, comprised of key government ministries, has been established to provide cross-sectoral guidance and policy direction for the formation of this emerging industry. The Group will focus on interministerial collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable economic growth. The TWG is tasked with developing the necessary regulatory frameworks, monitoring mechanisms, and investment strategies to ensure that the industry is inclusive, resilient, and aligned with national and sustainable development goals.
The TWG is chaired by the Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries and comprises the following entities:
- Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security, and Enterprise
- Ministry of Constitution and Religious Affairs, Indigenous Affairs, and Transportation
- Ministry of Economic Transformation
- Ministry of Immigration
- Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
- Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing
- Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, andLocal Government
- Ministry of Public Utilities, Energy, Logistics, and E-Governance
- BELTRAIDE
The mandate at New Growth Industries is to identify, support, and develop Belize’s emerging industries with an emphasis on innovation, sustainability, diversification, and inclusivity. The Cohune initiative is central to this mandate, presenting a real opportunity to diversify the economy, empower rural communities, and position Belize as a regional and global leader in renewable, nature-based industries.
The Ministry extends its sincere appreciation to all participating ministries and technical partners, and to Cohune Limited, which provided informative presentations.
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For more information, please contact:
Ms. Ginéé Neal
Lead Focal Point for New Growth Industries
Staff Officer, Ministry of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries nealgn@gobmail.gov.bz
